held up, headway 12th, ridden from 14th, weakened after 4 out
in touch until lost place 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 16th
in rear, smooth headway to go 3rd 4 out, went 2nd on bit before 2 out, quickened to lead soon after last, soon clear, easily
led 2nd to 5th, mistake 16th, disputing 2nd when blundered and fell 17th
led to 2nd, stayed prominent, ridden from 11th, gradually lost place, tailed off 4 out
not fluent 1st, tracked leaders, went 2nd 15th, led 3 out, ridden before last and soon headed, outpaced by winner
held up in touch, no extra after 4 out
prominent, led 5th, blundered 17th, headed 3 out, weakened quickly before next
Both Killusty and New Era have long absences from the track to overcome and, while either could take a hand, they are difficult to recommend after such a long lay off and this is best left to the other six runners. Topweight Gola Cher has claims on his second in the Badger Brewery Chase at Wincanton earlier in the season but was disappointing in the Hennessy subsequently and is probably best watched for the time being. Granit D'Estruval is another to have been on the sidelines for a lengthy period of time and makes limited appeal. Emma Lavelle's Odagh Odyssey seems to be in the grip of the handicapper judged by his last time out fifth behind Avalanche at Kempton and it is debatable whether the longer trip will bring about the necessary improvement in him. With Ambleside on the downgrade and neither Mothers Help or New Era looking good enough, the vote goes to Lord Moose. Admittedly Henry Daly's gelding has been beaten off the same mark as today on his last three starts but they have all been in decent company and the son of Mister Lord has not been beaten far, including when stepped up to three miles for the first time at Kempton on his latest start. With further improvement still to come, he could be the answer to a tricky contest.
